Mention this offer to claim your pet's free first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Regular dental cleanings support systemic health, reduce chronic inflammation, and prevent painful conditions that can affect a pet's quality of life. Understanding how oral disease impacts the body helps explain why pets with healthy mouths often enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

Every November, we recognize National Pet Cancer Awareness Month to help pet parents understand cancer risks, early warning signs, and the importance of proactive veterinary care. Awareness empowers families to act early and support their pets' long-term health.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Hope

Learn how to reduce pet anxiety during Halloween with veterinarian-approved tips. Help your dog or cat stay calm and happy when costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters arrive.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Springhurst Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

contact-us-section

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">Purring is the most common sound a cat makes and what owners are used to. Yet we know less about the unique sound than meowing, hissing, and growling. Many cat owners are taught that cat purrs are to show that the cat is happy, although a cat’s meow has more meanings.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">While purring is partly instinctive and voluntary for cats, cats can use the purr sound for various reasons, such as using the soft rumble to communicate as a form of healing or self-soothing. This is why cats will purr whenever they are in pain, injured, or are in a stressful situation.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Here is what you need to know about cat purring. This article will inform you how they purr, how you can tell what your cat’s purring means, why they do it, and other facts about cats’ purr.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>When&nbsp;Do&nbsp;Cats&nbsp;Start&nbsp;Purring?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Cats begin to purr after a few days of being born. Kittens are born blind until two weeks old. When they are blind, they use purring to communicate with their mother to alert them on where they are, and to draw their attention when they are getting hungry or when it’s feeding time. Cats carry this behavior till adulthood and will be familiar to cat parents whenever it’s time for dinner. These are just a few of the ways purrs are used by cats.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>How&nbsp;Do&nbsp;Cats&nbsp;Purr?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">When a cat purrs, nerve signals are sent to the muscles of the voice box and diaphragm, which helps expand the chest once breathing. These nerve signals stimulate the vocal cords, so when a  cat takes in air and exhales, the air in the diaphragm moves across these muscles, resulting in the purring sound of both domestic and wild cats.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Purring has developed throughout the years to help keep cats’ bones and muscles intact at all times. This is extremely useful during long periods of inactivity, like the hunting style, when they have to wait a while before they pounce on prey and ambush it. The cat's purr is almost a continuous sound. A cat’s purr is when they both inhale and exhale.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Scientist used to believe that cat purring would usually come from the vibration of their hearts, and if you felt your cat purring, you would know why they used that theory. Air vibrates whenever the cat inhales and exhales at approximately 25 to 150 vibrations per second.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Why&nbsp;Do&nbsp;Cats&nbsp;Purr?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Cats purr for different situations, which causes multiple theories on the sound they make. Here are different reasons cats purr.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Your&nbsp;Cat&nbsp;Is&nbsp;Happy</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">&nbsp;</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Cat’s owners are used to hearing their cat purr whenever their cat is content and happy. It’s like how a dog wiggles its tail and jumps, all excited.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Your cat is sitting on your lap and getting pets and scratches. They are probably purring to inform you they love what they are receiving, a nonverbal way to communicate with their owners without using words, but sounds. If your cat is receiving love and it purrs, you don’t need to worry; just keep showing your cat love.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Humans laugh and dogs wag their tails when happy, cats produce a low rasping vibration sound that is often heard when they’re being pet or scratched. Cats can purr to other cats or even other pets like dogs.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>Your&nbsp;Cat&nbsp;Wants&nbsp;Food&nbsp;or&nbsp; Something Else</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">&nbsp;</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Sometimes cats purr whenever they are hungry or want something. Researchers have differentiated the purrs of content versus hunger. The purr sounds like their pleasant purr and a whining purr, like a child whining or crying. Cat owners are more likely to respond to the sound.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.1"><strong>For&nbsp;Healing&nbsp;Mechanism</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">&nbsp;</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Although purring takes so much energy, cats use this sound as a form of self-meditation or relief from pain and recovery whenever they are hurt. It’s simply a way for cats to soothe themselves, similar to a child that sucks their thumb to feel better or a man humming or talking to himself.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">According to studies, purring is done at a low frequency that helps to stimulate the injured area to make it feel better, including most of the tendons and bones. The frequencies of the purrs cause vibrations within their body, which can:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Reduce pain and swelling</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Ease breathing</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Repair tissues, tendons and build muscles.</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Heal bones and wounds.</strong></p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">This might explain how cats are able to survive falls and the theory of cats having nine lives. They also tend to have less complications after a surgery than other pets.</p>

Purring is the most common sound cats make and what owners are used to. Yet we know less about the unique sound than meowing, hissing, and growling. Many cat owners are taught that cat purrs are to show that the cat is happy, although a cat's meow has more meanings.



Why Do Cats Purr?

gtm_67f2a81053dc857452f08e77

Join our veterinary team at Springhurst Animal Hospital

springhurstanimalhospital

Please fill out the information below to get started.

Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Compassionate and quality care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

We have served over 10,000 pets and their happy families.

USA TODAY has named Springhurst Animal Hospital among the top veterinary clinics in the nation.

Compassionate and quality care for dogs, cats, and exotics.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!

Enhance your pet's recovery and mobility with custom rehabilitation at (). Our expert team uses therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and underwater treadmill sessions to reduce pain, rebuild strength, and restore comfort. Schedule your pet's rehab consultation today.

Pet Rehabilitation

Pet acupuncture at () provides gentle, drug-free relief for pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. This holistic therapy boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports healing for happier, healthier pets.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


Pet Prescriptions

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

Pet Nutrition

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Spay And Neuter

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Sheet title

Why Do Cats Purr?

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Why is My Dog Limping?

Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

FAQs

Sheet title

Why Do Cats Purr?

Recent Blogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

Related Blogs

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Why is My Dog Limping?

Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

FAQs

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?